By Don Stone, KennesawStateSports.com, FootballAtlanta.com
Kennesaw State has caught a lot of people by surprise (including me) as they have been making waves in their second season of FBS competition, currently boasting a 6-2 overall record and an impressive 4-0 mark in Conference USA. The Owls are riding a six game winning streak heading into their crucial upcoming game at Aggie Memorial Stadium in Las Cruces as they visit New Mexico State on Saturday. The game has significant bowl eligibility implications. It will be the first ever meeting between the two schools.
This could be seen as some as a “trap game,” one where you play a struggling team while you wait for the more important game a week later. In this case, that would be the looming November 15 showdown at second place Jax State (5-3, 4-0 CUSA) with the Conference Championship likely on the line. And, they just announced that the game has been moved to an 8:00 p.m. primetime start and shifted from ESPN+ to the more accessible ESPNU.
New Mexico State (3-5, 1-4 CUSA) is coming off a 35-9 loss at Western Kentucky putting up no points on offense. They got a meaningless 71 yard scoop and score by Stilton McKelvey late in the game. The Aggies have certainly been a different team since losing star quarterback Diego Pavia, who played at NM State for two seasons before transferring from the Aggies to Vanderbilt ahead of the 2024 season. Pavia followed his former New Mexico State offensive coordinator, Tim Beck, and head coach, Jerry Kill, who had both joined the Vanderbilt staff. Since then, he’s turned the Commodores program around and is a top Heisman candidate.
The Aggies certainly have a tough stretch ahead. First facing the first place Owls, then heading to Knoxville to take on SEC powerhouse Tennessee.
The Owls’ performance has been marked by a balanced attack on offense, with quarterbacks Dexter Williams II and Amari Odom executing efficiently and leading multiple scoring drives. Defensive efforts, led by standout players such as Caleb Offord and Christian Moss, have contributed to the Owls’ success, including several key turnovers and stops.
Head coach Jerry Mack emphasized the significance of maintaining focus. “This bowl eligibility is huge for our program, but it’s only the beginning,” Mack said in his weekly press conference. “We know New Mexico State is going to bring a lot of energy and physicality. They’re a team that’s improved steadily all season, and we need to be ready for a full 60 minutes.”
Mack pointed out the Aggies’ growing confidence and recent performances. “They’re a pocket full of surprises, and their quarterback can hurt you with both his arm and legs. It’s about controlling the line of scrimmage and winning our assignments. This game is critical for our bowl positioning.”
Mack praised his team’s resilience and the importance of the current winning streak. “Our players have done a great job handling the pressure and staying locked in. Winning consecutive games in this league, especially on the road, is difficult. The fact we’ve put ourselves in this position is a testament to their commitment.”
With the victory over UTEP securing bowl eligibility, the Owls are eyeing continued success in their quest for postseason play. The upcoming game at New Mexico State promises to be a pivotal contest, with KSU aiming to extend its winning streak and strengthen its bowl prospects.
Unfortunately, the game can’t be seen for free. You have to sign in to ESPN+ to watch the 4:00 p.m. kickoff.